Can you eat largemouth bass?

In this article we are going to answer can you eat largemouth bass, what is largemouth bass, is it healthy to eat largemouth bass, what fish is high in mercury, what fish is low in mercury, and what is the risk of eating largemouth bass and what is the best way to cook largemouth bass. 

Can you eat largemouth bass?

Yes, largemouth bass is healthy to eat and can be added to your diet as much as you can but be careful of mercury content. 

It is an excellent source of protein and healthy fats with no carbohydrates. It depends on how you cook it and added ingredients if it stays healthy. 

What is largemouth bass?

The largemouth bass is a fish from the Centrarchidae family. It is a larger bass from the black bass species. It is very popular in eastern and central United States and in northern Mexico but it can be found in more places. It can be known also as

  • Widemouth bass
  • Bigmouth bass
  • Black bass
  • Florida bass and more names

It is the state fish of Georgia, Mississippi, Florida, and Alabama. The largemouth bass is a carnivorous olive green fish that consumes mostly small bait fish, scuds, water fleas, copepods, small shrimp, and insects found in the water. 

Largemouth bass adults eat smaller fish and they even eat water birds, turtles, and other mammals found in the water. They are also known as invasive fish in some areas because they endanger other fish such as salmon and trout. 

Is it healthy to eat largemouth bass?

Yes, the largemouth bass is a healthy fish to add to your diet. 3 ounces or 85 grams of cooked largemouth bass contains 124 calories, 4 grams of fat, 77 grams of sodium, 0 grams of carbohydrates, and 0 grams of fiber, and 21 grams of protein. 

It is an excellent source of protein with no carbohydrates, low content of fat, and very low content of sodium compared to other fish. 

Almost all of its fat is monounsaturated fatty acids which help to promote heart health and prevent strokes. It also contains an excellent amount of EPA and DHA. 

It also contains an excellent amount of selenium, potassium, and vitamin B12. 

What fish is high in mercury?

You can eat fish high in mercury but maintain a low intake to avoid mercury and toxins found in these fish. 

  • Swordfish
  • Shark
  • Tilefish from the Gulf of Mexico 
  • Mackerel King
  • Marlin
  • Bigeye tuna
  • Orange roughy
  • Bass

To reduce the risk of eating mercury, do not eat any uncooked fish or raw seafood.

What fish is low in mercury?

Fish low in mercury are recommended to be added to your diet two to three times per week.

  • Salmon
  • Anchovies
  • Catfish
  • Flounder
  • Tilapia
  • Canned tuna
  • Gefilte
  • Skate
  • Smelt
  • Squid (calamari)
  • Whitefish
  • Whiting
  • Sole

It is recommended to eat 8 to 12 ounces of low mercury fish. That amount is to be approx 2 to 3 servings per week of low mercury fish, according to the FDA. 

What is the risk of eating largemouth bass?

All bass species are high in mercury. If you are part of a vulnerable population such as pregnant women and young children, stay away from the largemouth mass as much as you can. Mercury can stay in the body and harm babies and young children. 

Another risk of eating largemouth bass is that fish is a very common allergen. Fish is one of the 8 most common allergens and it is very common that fish allergy develops in adult life and not only in young children. 

If you are allergic to fish, you should not eat largemouth bass. Symptoms of fish allergy might include 

  • Vomiting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Indigestion
  • Diarrhea
  • Wheezing
  • Swelling of face, mouth, and tongue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Cough
  • Hoarse voice
  • Blue coloring skin
  • Hives
  • Dizziness and confusion

What is the best way to cook largemouth bass?

Largemouth bass can be cooked very easily and does not need a lot of preparation. It can be cooked in many different ways such as

  • Pan-fried
  • Baked
  • Broiled
  • Poached
  • Grilled 
  • Or added to soups

Follow this link for the fried largemouth bass recipe.

Other FAQs about Fish that you may be interested in.

Can I eat fish with eggs?

Can fish eat romaine lettuce?

Can fish eat raw chicken?

Conclusion

This article answered Can you eat largemouth bass, what is largemouth bass, is it healthy to eat largemouth bass, what fish is high in mercury, what fish is low in mercury, what is the risk of eating largemouth bass, and what is the best way to cook largemouth bass. 

Citation

https://rodandnet.com/are-largemouth-bass-good-to-eat/

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